SS Chain tension

ollyridesfirst

Just a quick question. Just bought a 2nd hand single speed for use over winter - putting on the back wheel, but how to set up the tensioners?

Do i get the chain as taught as possible or leave some slack in it?

nicklouse

you want about 1/2" of vertical movement in the center of one length.

Monty Dog

Yup, about 1cm of vertical play along the length - too tight and you'll likely find 'tight' spots due to inaccuracies in the mounting / roundness of the chainring and cog, it'll be very noisy and you'll wear out the chain quicker.

pete.whelan

slack enough so it won't skip off. check by spinning pedals whilst holding bike in air and shake on its side

ollyridesfirst

Cheers all, will release the tensioners a bit!

andyrr

hmm, I've run a Trek 2nd District in SS mode (not fixed) for around 9 months now and had a constant quandry on the tension.
I think something is out of spec - BB axle or chainset I guess.
I've just replaced the chain and freewheel and checking the tension I currently have a range of around 2cm - 4 cm min/max, if I go much tighter then the chain really feels overly tight and there is extra drag evident but looser and, to my cost, I know that the chain can unship - did this on the way in to work yesterday.
Something wrong to cause such a difference in tension on it's run or is it a delicate balancing job to get the tension just right ?

pete.whelan

alignment of sprocket and chainring is important.

1/8" chain runs better than 3/32", even on 3/32" cogs and rings